Chapter 454 Nonsense
Benjamin nodded, looking obedient, a stark contrast to his usual mischievous self during the day.
After Jacob left, he yawned and asked, "Mr. Percy, can you stay with me tonight?"
Charles glanced at him, leaning back in the single armchair. "No, I'll stay here and watch you sleep. Once your fever breaks, I'll head out."
Benjamin murmured a quiet acknowledgment and closed his eyes, letting sleep take over.
Charles had a meeting scheduled for the morning, but that was out of the question now.
He propped his head up with one hand, his gaze falling on Benjamin's peaceful sleeping face.
This was Zachary's kid, a pawn kept close. Why did he care so much?
After hearing Jacob's words, he instinctively reflected on whether he had been too harsh on Benjamin.
He stayed awake all night, getting up to stretch his legs, and coincidentally ran into Benjamin, who was looking for water.
Luckily, he was there. Otherwise, Benjamin might have suffered through the fever all night, possibly causing lasting damage.
Soft sobs reached Charles' ears.
He thought Benjamin had woken up, but upon closer inspection, he saw the boy was still asleep, tears streaming from his closed eyes, dripping onto the pillow.
"Mommy, I miss you," Benjamin murmured in his sleep.
Charles pursed his lips, raising a hand that hesitated in mid-air.
He remembered his own childhood, countless nights where he could only openly miss his mother in his dreams.
Finally, he gently patted Benjamin's back, humming a lullaby his mother used to sing.
He couldn't remember the lyrics, only the tune.
With the soothing pats, Benjamin's sobs ceased, his furrowed brow relaxing.
In the quiet of the night, the lullaby's hum filled the room. The melody not only comforted the child but also reached back through time, healing the little Charles within.
The next day, Benjamin's fever broke, his face flushed with health. He was running and jumping, looking even healthier than before.
Once Charles confirmed Benjamin was well, he left the house and headed to Moon Hill Villa.
It was one in the afternoon when he arrived.
Diana was on the balcony, flipping through a book, her thoughts wandering.
She had no communication devices, and the villa's maids treated her like she was invisible.
Even if Diana tore the house apart, they would silently clean up without a word.
So, Diana could only talk to Charles. Despite hating him, she had no choice but to wait for his return.
When Charles arrived, he saw Diana curled up on the swing chair, holding a book. One long leg was bare, occasionally pushing against the ground to sway the chair.
The swing's creaking drowned out Charles' footsteps. Diana took a deep breath, covering her face with the book, intending to nap.
Suddenly, the book was removed from her face. She opened her eyes to find Charles' face inches from hers, capturing her lips in a kiss.
Diana was stunned, then furious, pushing him away.
She forgot she was on the swing, and the momentum sent her back towards him.
Charles found her wide-eyed expression amusing, holding the swing steady with both hands.
Diana curled up, angrily wiping her mouth. "What's wrong with you? Can't you make some noise when you come in?"
Charles ignored her scolding, chuckling. "You were lost in thought."
Diana would never admit it was her fault. She pushed him away, grabbing the swing's ropes to jump down. "Stay away from me."
Yesterday's phone call Charles was a facade; this was the real him.
Charles' lips curled into a smile as he stepped closer.
Diana, seeing him approach silently, grew wary. "What are you doing? Stay back!"
In a swift move, Charles scooped her up, tossing her over his shoulder.
Diana felt the world spin, her stomach pressing against his shoulder, making her nauseous.
She kicked and punched his back, but he took it all in stride. "Charles, you lunatic! Let me go! You said I could make requests, so I demand you put me down!"
Charles ignored her, smacking her wriggling butt. She felt a mix of pain and humiliation.
Diana yelped, biting her lip in embarrassment.
Charles carried her to the bed, tossing her onto the mattress.
It was high-quality, bouncing her slightly before she settled.
As he leaned closer, Diana scrambled back until she hit the headboard. "Stay away, you creep!"
Remembering his past actions made her face flush. What did he think she was? His plaything?
Charles' eyes narrowed, his smile widening mischievously. "What do you think I'm going to do?"
His voice was teasing, making her heart race. He lifted a hand, twirling a strand of her hair around his finger.
Diana stiffened, refusing to play his game. "Whatever you're planning, it's not happening."
"Is that so? But you can't resist, can you? Sweetheart, it's been a while. I've missed you."
His innocent expression and words made Diana's skin crawl. She rubbed her arms, disgusted. "We saw each other yesterday. Is your brain full of water?"
Charles' smile faded, his face growing stern.
He was imposing even without a smile, and now he was downright intimidating.
She realized she might have gone too far. Diana curled her legs, trying to make herself smaller.
Charles grabbed her ankle, pulling her down. She hit the bed, her head bumping the headboard, making her wince in pain.
"Let go of me!"
As she prepared to struggle, Charles buried his head in her hands, his forehead against her chest, his nose nuzzling her stomach.
"Shake me, see if there's water."
Diana was startled by his actions, mechanically patting his head.
His hair was longer, feeling like a fluffy dog.
Charles sighed contentedly, rubbing his face against her stomach. "You smell good."
His words snapped Diana back to reality. She stopped patting him, trying to push him away.
But Charles held her tight, like an octopus, pulling her down onto the bed.
Diana was forced to lie on her side, feeling his heavy breaths against her stomach, making her uncomfortable.
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